Kharkiv Human Rights Group Social Networking

EU Statement following the verdict against Yury Lutsenko

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on the verdict of Yuriy Lutsenko in Ukraine

We are disappointed with the verdict against Mr Lutsenko which signals the continuation of trials in Ukraine which do not respect international standards as regards fair, transparent and independent legal process.

We recall that the EU-Ukraine Summit of 19 December stated that respect for the Rule of Law will be of crucial importance for the speed of Ukraine’s political association and economic integration with the EU. We also note the recent resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the functioning of democratic institutions in Ukraine.

We will continue to monitor closely developments related to the appeals process of Mr Lutsenko, the review of the case of Mrs Yulia Tymoshenko by the Court of Appeal, and proceedings in the case of the former Acting Minister of Defence, Valeriy Ivashchenko, as well as in other similar cases.